Managing expectations in the presidential race
There are a lot of "what ifs" to think about in the presidential race. Anyone with a stake in the race wants to manage expectations. That includes NDN — the New Democratic Network — a Democratic think-thank. Simon Rosenberg is the president and a former Democratic operative:
"One of the dynamics in this race you’re going to see … is John McCain gaining three or four points. And the question then will be is what happens with the rest of the undecideds — do they break towards Obama or do they go to McCain?"
Rosenberg doesn’t want Democrats to freak out if McCain surges as pollsters expect: "The number to watch is Obama’s number — if Obama can stay at 49, 50, 51, he’s going to win. Obama’s number starts to drop while McCain’s going up, we can have a real barn burner here at the end."
The popular vote and even the electoral college are not the only factors that can decide a presidential race. Think back to Florida in 2000. So what if Bush v. Gore morphed into McCain v. Obama? Republicans are gaming out that very scenario at the American Enterprise Institute. Ned Foley is a professor of election law at Ohio State University. He’s imagining a scenario involving a blizzard on November 4 in Colorado — long lines, an extension of voting, opposition by a secretary of state– and on to the Supreme Court. Is the GOP praying for another 5-4 ruling?
Created by Bureau Chief and Executive Producer Melinda Wittstock, Capitol News Connection provides insightful, localized coverage of participating stations’ congressional delegations.